State unemployment rate drops slightly in January

WorkForce West Virginia says the number of unemployed residents fell 700 in January to 46,900.

In the goods-producing sector, employment gains were seen in construction, mining and logging, while the state experienced job losses in manufacturing.

In the service sector, employment gains were seen in information, financial activities, leisure and hospitalities and in other services. There were declines in trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services, educational and health services, and government.

WorkForce West Virginia says Wednesday's release of the January figures had been delayed due to recent weather conditions.

The national unemployment rate fell to 6.6 percent in January from 6.7 percent in December.